The Meaning of MDG's Coat of Arms
The Compartment
The compartment has two coconut palms: one on the left, and another on the right. At the center are 3 sampaguita flowers chained by 24 bamboo leaves. These are all symbols we associate with the Philippines.
According to rules of heraldry, the compartment should describe the place (state, nation, town, etc.) where the group or individual originated from. For example, a maple leaf would describe Canada. Cherry blossoms describe Japan. Edelweiss is Austria. Locally, everlasting is Baguio, rice is Nueva Ecija, garlic is Ilocos. Our coat of arms' compartment, therefore, should symbolize the Philippines.
The coconut tree is called the tree of life. Yuppeace is about life. Two palms represent the two sides of our spiritual life -- the consolation and desolation -- which describe best the human in us, the real life that has strengths and weaknesses, ups and downs, light and darkness. Ironically, harmony in one's life is about these two sides of life.
The 3 sampaguita flower stand for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. They also represent the present houses of YUPPEACE. The sampaguita is described as simple, majestic, and graceful.
The bamboo grass is known for being resilient, which is also the character of the Filipinos. The leaves are chained to denote unity and cooperation. The number 24 would remind us of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians.
The Shield
The shield of MDG symbolizes simplicity. The shape is simple; no elaborate curves. Lining the shield is an Argent (white) ribbon. The color of the shield is Gules (red) because red is the theme color of MDG. Visually, royal red is a good hue. It symbolizes royalty and zealous life (color of blood denotes life).
The Fields
The shield is divided into 5 fields, honoring the original 5 houses of Yuppeace. The central field is an Argent (white) cross, signifying Christ-centeredness. At the center of the cross is an Argent circle, signifying that being a Christ-centered Roman Catholic Christian, we center ourselves in the Holy Eucharist.
The Charges
A field may have a charge or charges (symbolic objects). In the first quadrant of the shield, the field has a fisherman's boat (banca) with a sail and 3 fishermen hauling a fishnet. The fisherman at the middle represents Christ. The other two represents us. YUPPEACE, being a formator, may be described as "fisher of men". This is our symbol of servant-leadership - the two things that MDG does well: to serve and to lead.
In the second quadrant, there are 3 Argent rectangular objects in a graduated position. This symbolizes the 3 goals of MDG. The graduated look speaks of spiritual growth. The windows in each object speak of witnessing. The overall look speaks of working harmoniously for a synergistic effect.
In the third quadrant, there are 4 mountains and hills, representing the 4 values of MDG. The mountains and hills are of different sizes but they connected. This tells us that Yuppeace, despite the individualtiy and diversity in us, we can work together. The mountains and hills depict strength, which is the character of a set of values. In front of the 4 mountains and hills is a church. This signifies that our values are anchored to our faith.
In the fourth quadrant, is the emblem of Yuppeace, symbolizing "grace". It represents the community, which is a grace from God, a gift. Humbly speaking, for MDG, we don't claim that IT IS or we are the grace from God. Rather, we see ourselves as an instrument to God's grace; a channel, a deliverer, a iver.
There are other things to discuss. I'll continue with the other elements tomorrow in order not to overwhelm you as it has overwhelmed me.
May the Grace be with you!
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